Future of Moora Residential College uncertain

For more information, contact Martin Aldridge (Member for the Agricultural Region).

The Nationals WA have used Parliament this week to confirm that almost $155,000 had been wasted planning the much needed $8.7 million redevelopment of the Moora Residential College after Labor abandoned the project following the recent State election.

The Nationals WA have used Parliament this week to confirm that almost $155,000 had been wasted planning the much needed $8.7 million redevelopment of the Moora Residential College after Labor abandoned the project following the recent State election.

The Nationals Member for Moore, Mr Shane Love MLA expressed concern over Labor’s commitment to the college.

“A 2012 Building Condition Audit confirmed some $160,000 was needed to address the most urgent of works at the college which could have been fully funded by the money now wasted by Labor in abandoning the planned redevelopment,” Mr Love said.

“The Moora Residential College is vitally important education infrastructure in the Central Midlands being the only residential boarding facility alongside a Senior High School between Geraldton and the metropolitan area.”

The 2012 Building Condition Audit recommended a ‘serious review regarding a substantial upgrade’ which was undertaken by the former Liberal-National government.

The Nationals Member for the Agricultural Region and former student of Moora Residential College, Hon Martin Aldridge MLC expressed dismay at the waste of taxpayer funds and lack of regional understanding by Labor.

“The $8.7 million Royalties for Regions upgrade of the residential college was one of the proudest achievements of The Nationals in government,” Mr Aldridge said.

“The upgrades were due to commence in March 2018 and be completed in time for the 2019 school year.

“The college built in the 1970s has not seen a major upgrade and immediate action was needed by government to address, structural, electrical, health, safety and fire risk concerns at the college.”

Mr Love recently sponsored a petition which has been tabled in the State Parliament calling on the government to act on the concerns identified in the building reports.

“I will be writing to the Standing Committee on Environment and Public Affairs to express concern on behalf of the community in relation to the lack of commitment by the government to Moora Residential College and regional education generally,” Mr Love said.

“This decision is a double whammy with the Labor Government also significantly cutting the Boarding Away from Home Allowance (BAHA) which support families who have no other choice but to send their children to boarding schools like Moora.”

The Labor State Government will add $11.1 billion to State debt over the next four years delivering its metropolitan focused election commitments whilst cancelling many important projects like this in regional WA.